Dysbiosis and Predicted Functions of the Dental Biofilm of Dairy Goats with Periodontitis

Co-occurrence of periodontal lesions and dental wear in incisor and masticatory teeth in two sheep flocks in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis and tooth wear are multifactorial diseases with distinct etiopathogenesis that affect the health, feed efficiency and welfare of sheep.

METHODS

This study evaluated the co-occurrence of tooth wear and periodontal lesions in 129 ewes from two Brazilian flocks, clinically classified the lesions and presence of dental calculus, and identified potential pathogens in the dental biofilm of 63 ewes by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Of the 129 ewes included in the study, 75 presented periodontal lesions, while all animals presented tooth wear and dental calculus. Of the animals with periodontal lesions, 16.2% had lesions in incisor teeth and 52.7% in masticatory teeth. Regarding excessive tooth wear, 38.6% had severe wear on the incisor teeth and 89.1% on the masticatory teeth. Ewes older than 36 months had a higher frequency of periodontal lesions in incisor teeth (p < 0.001) and a greater amount of dental calculus (p < 0.001), but there was no association between tooth wear and animal age. Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia and Fusobacterium necrophorum predominated in periodontal lesions.

LIMITATION

This study is limited by the small sample size and lack of diagnostic imaging to assess periodontal disease.

CONCLUSION

The co-occurrence of periodontal lesions and excessive dental wear involving both the incisor and masticatory teeth suggests that although the two diseases have different aetiologies, they likely have common risk factors.

Periodontitis Disease in Farmed Ruminants-Current State of Research

Periodontal disease in ruminants is common and occurs in farmed and wild animals. Periodontal lesions can result from the secretion of endotoxins by pathogenic bacteria and as consequences of immune system activity. Three main types of periodontitis have been described. The first is chronic inflammation involving mainly premolars and molars-periodontitis (PD). The second type is an acute inflammatory reaction occurring with calcification of the periosteum of the jawbone and swelling of the surrounding soft tissues (Cara inchada, CI-"swollen face"). Finally, a third type, similar to the first but located in the incisor area, is called "broken mouth" (BM). Etiological variation between the different types of periodontitis is indicated. This particularly manifests in the composition of the microbiome, which is characteristic of the different forms of periodontitis. The widespread detection of lesions has drawn attention to the current nature of the problem.